Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said drug trafficking was at the heart of the scheme and have turned up guns and thousands of doses of drugs — many of them painkillers.

Bouchard said it took a true team effort to round-up the suspects.

“What resulted as a combined investigation, really of a lot of great partners: local police departments, state, feds … pretty much all gathered together to utilize shared information and resources and surveillance capabilities and a host of things,” said Bouchard, “and ultimately were able to catch these guys.”

“Criminals don’t respect boundaries or territories, and that’s why it’s so important for us to work together, share information, share resources and partner,” Bouchard added. “This was a classic example of all that working well, and taking some folks off the street that were a big, big problem.”

Each suspect has been charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances. Perry-Bey and Benford are also charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.